2023 LFPP RFA_F.pdf

OMB No. 0581‐0240

Local Food Promotion Program

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-23-0011

Publication Date: February 14, 2023

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 2, 2023

2 | P a g e

PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Local Food Promotion Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-23-0011

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.175

Dates: Applications must be received before 11:59 pm Eastern Time May 2, 2023, through Grants.gov.

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). LFPP’s purpose is to support the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of the grant program.

Approximately $61.8 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. LFPP planning projects range from $25,000 to $250,000, while implementation and farm to institution projects range from $100,000 to $750,000. The new Turnkey Marketing and Promotion project type is available for a defined set of marketing and promotion activities, with funding amounts between $50,000 and $100,000. Eligible entities and activities in LFPP remain the same as in previous years.

In the FY 2022 application cycle, AMS funded 94 (46.5%) of the 202 applications received.

To be competitive, applications must meet all program requirements, be of high quality, and satisfy the 25% match requirement. All applications will undergo review according to merit and customary evaluation procedures. This announcement provides information regarding the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, details on match funding, and the application forms and instructions needed to apply for an award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.

USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems, including tools to support agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities. AMS encourages applicants to consider including goals and activities related to reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere or adapting to the already occurring climate change in their project’s design and implementation.

https://sam.gov/fal/9bf5d11cc5fc49af8dda1254e4367dcd/view http://grants.gov/

3 | P a g e

Stakeholder Input: AMS welcomes your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments in developing the next RFA. Email written stakeholder comments within six months of the publication date of this RFA to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. (This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are commenting on the Local Food Promotion Program RFA.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

• A new streamlined application type, for Turnkey Marketing and Promotion projects has been added. Applicants applying to the Turnkey project type may apply for funds to conduct a minimum of 3 specific activities out of five activity options defined by AMS. They cannot add additional activities to the workplan and should use the simplified “FMLFPP Turnkey Project Narrative” for their application package.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

AMS expects applicants to read the entire RFA prior to submitting their application to ensure they understand the program’s requirements. The application checklist provides the required documents for an application package.

LFPP requires that all application packages include the following:

☐ SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (in Grants.gov) ☐ SF-424A – Budget Summary (in Grants.gov) ☐ Project Abstract Summary (in Grants.gov) ☐ Project Narrative Form OR Turnkey Project Narrative Form (PDF Attachment)

☐ Must use required template ☐ Executive Summary supports project goals and objectives and is no more than 250 words ☐ Ensure it does not exceed the page limit specified in Section 5.2.4 or 5.2.5 ☐ Ensure the proposal excludes unallowable costs and activities per Section 4.4

☐ Signed Letters Verifying Matching Funds for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource (PDF or MS Word Attachment)

☐ Signed Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations (PDF or MS Word Attachment)

When applicable, application packages are required to include the following documents:

☐ Signed Letter(s) Stating Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure (PDF or MS Word – Attachment)

☐ Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF Attachment) mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPTurnkeyNarrativeForm.docx

4 | P a g e

Tips for Applicants

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using

Grants.gov, you must— o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov, the Government's primary registrant database;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

• Register in Grants.gov and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE

APPLICATION DEADLINE. AMS encourages to submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure all certifications are met. Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all instructions. Thoroughly review the AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs. Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance listing (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number

10.175 and Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-23-0011”.

• Ensure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.

• Limit Application File Size/ File Name Characters (50 or less).

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader)

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

• Input the correct UEI (formerly DUNS) number on the SF-424 form cover page. Review the

Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html o

TIMING TO OBTAIN AND SUBMIT GRANTS.GOV REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov

May 2, 2023 – 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time

Obtaining Your Organization’s UEI Number (if you do not already have one)

7-10 business days

Establishing an Active SAM.gov Account (if you do not already have one) 7-10 business days

Obtaining a TIN/EIN (if you do not already have one) Up to 2 weeks

Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) authorization

Up to 4 weeks https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

5 | P a g e

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Legislative Authority

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Project Types

1.4 Priority Areas

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance

2.2 Type of Applications

2.3 Available Funding

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Partners and Collaborators

3.3 Limit on Number of Awards

4.0 Funding Considerations

4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching

4.2 Indirect Costs

4.3 Subawards

4.4 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities

4.5 Coordinator Meeting Travel

5.0 Application and Submission Information

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements . 24

5.4 Application Submission Requirements

5.5 Submission Date and Time

5.6 Intergovernmental Review

6.0 Application Review Information

6.1 Project Evaluation Criteria

6.2 Review and Selection Process

7.0 Award Administration information

7.1 Award Notices

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

7.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

7.4 Reporting Requirements

7.5 Acknowledgement of USDA Support

8.0 Agency Contacts

8.1 Programmatic Questions

8.2 Available Resources

8.3 Address

8.4 Grants.gov Questions

9.0 Other Information

6 | P a g e

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Equal Opportunity Statement

9.3 Freedom of Information Act Requests

9.4 Paperwork Reduction

7 | P a g e

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) is authorized by subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1627c), as amended. LAMP supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships;

• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural products and local and regional food system infrastructure;

• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains;

• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and

• Simplify the application and the reporting processes for the grants administered under the

Program.

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP), the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Program and the Regional Food Partnership Program (RFSP) are implemented under LAMP.

FMLFPP and RSFP are administered by AMS and VAPG is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service under Rural Development (RD). FMLFPP is administered in two components: Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). This RFA is for LFPP.

1.2 PURPOSE

LFPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on:

• Supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products;

• Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;

• Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies;

• Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products;

• Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;

• Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;

• Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; and

• Covering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.

8 | P a g e

1.3 PROJECT TYPES

LFPP offers Planning, Implementation, Farm to Institution, and Turnkey Marketing and Promotion project types.

1.3.1 PLANNING PROJECTS

Planning projects are used in the planning stages of developing, coordinating, or expanding a food business that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Completing a feasibility study or facilitating supply chain partner planning for a new intermediary food channel (i.e., food hub), to analyze market potential, capacity, and potential competitors, and partners in the region.

• Hiring experts for technical assistance to implement a local/regional food transportation system.

• Hiring experts for training on managing a local/regional food storage or processing facility.

• Devising a business development plan associated with the processing/marketing of local/regional agricultural products, including value-added agricultural products.

1.3.2 IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

Implementation projects are used to establish a new food enterprise or market channel or to improve or expand an existing food enterprise or market channel that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing or expanding food incubator programs or mid-tier value chains.

• Connecting, cultivating, and strengthening relationships between local and regional producers and local and regional food businesses and consumer-facing markets.

• Instituting group-based Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification to increase opportunities for farmers to sell produce into institutional or wholesale marketing channels, including providing financial support for making changes and upgrades to practices and equipment to improve food safety.

• Cultivating new local and regional wholesale market channels through an online portal or virtual marketplace.

• Investigating and implementing more cost-effective means of transportation for food supply chains through backhaul, route optimization, and/or other operational efficiencies.

If the applicant previously received an LFPP planning award that is directly related to the submitted proposal, the applicant must indicate how this project contributed to its proposed work in the Project Narrative (section 5.2.4 or 5.2.5 Project Narrative)

9 | P a g e

1.3.3 FARM TO INSTITUTION

Farm to Institution projects support the development, coordination, and expansion of institutional markets or institutional food service operations. They may plan and facilitate supply chains and develop relationships between local and regional producers, processors, intermediaries, and institutional markets or institutional food services operations, such as dining facilities within pre-K through grade 12 schools, college, university, hospital, local government, tribal, and state agency cafeterias or meal programs.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting aggregation, processing, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products by increasing the availability of local food products available on the menu of institutional food service operations (e.g., patient meals in hospitals, school meals, senior meal programs).

• Connecting, cultivating, and strengthening relationships between local and regional producers and local and regional food businesses that engage as intermediaries with local institutional markets.

• Developing business plans and strategies for the inclusion and expansion of local food products, including value-added local agricultural products, in institutional settings and local and regional food system infrastructure in support of farm to institution.

• Obtaining food safety certification and related improvements to food safety practices and equipment to meet institutional requirements.

1.3.4 TURNKEY MARKETING AND PROMOTION

Turnkey Marketing and Promotion projects are intended to offer a streamlined approach to some of the most common LFPP grant activities related to the marketing and promotion of local and regional food projects. Applicants applying to the Turnkey Marketing and Promotion track agree to conduct specific activities defined by AMS that support the marketing and promotion of intermediated producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Applicants must select a minimum of 3 pre-defined activities listed below.

• Identify and analyze new/improved market opportunities.

• Develop/revise a marketing plan.

• Design/purchase marketing and promotion media.

• Implement a marketing plan.

• Evaluate marketing and promotion activities.

Applicants to the Turnkey project type should not propose any additional activities beyond the above list, doing so may disqualify the application from consideration. Planning, Implementation, and Farm to Institution project types are eligible to apply under the Turnkey track if they focus on marketing and promotion and meet all other Turnkey requirements.

Applicants to the Turnkey project type will apply through a simplified Narrative Form. More information is provided in Section 5.2.5. Applicants should read the entire RFA before applying.

10 | P a g e

1.3.5 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for consideration if the proposed activities:

• Are not related to local and regional food system activities.

• Are for agricultural production related expenses, including crop production and the purchase of farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and other related costs (section 4.4)

• Benefit only one agricultural producer, vendor, or individual. Applicants must collaborate with others to benefit the larger community.

• Are to purchase land, or for construction of a building or structure.

• Intend to register, train, and/or educate customers about Food Assistance Programs such as

SNAP, WIC, etc. (other than how they can use those benefits at the market)

• Depend upon the completion of another project or the receipt of another grant.

• Include legal fees and other costs associated with establishing a business or organization.

• Duplicate activities in a project that has received funding from another Federal award program, including the Farmers Market Promotion Program.

For additional allowable and unallowable activities please refer to the AMS General Terms and Conditions as well as the FMLFPP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing these documents should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 8.0 Agency Contacts.

1.4 PRIORITY AREAS

Priority consideration may be given to projects located in low income/low food access (LI/LA) census tracts as defined below. AMS does not require applicants to conduct projects in priority areas to be eligible to apply or receive grant funds.

To qualify for low income/low food access (LI/LA) priority consideration, the project’s implementation address must be in a LI/LA census tract, as defined by the four major map layers on the ERS Food Access Research Atlas. “Implementation address” refers to the street address or census tract location within the targeted community where the applicant plans to conduct or deliver approved project activities.

The applicant must provide its census tract(s) for at least one LI/LA address (priority area). If your organization or business is located in and/or primarily serves at least one LI/LA community, your application will be considered under this priority area.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide the Federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

New application. All new applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in section 6.0.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ams.usda.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fmedia%2FFMLFPPFAQs.pdf&data=04%7C01%7C%7C7163625c249843dafd3408d9faf7797e%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637816763065785377%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=GbqaY7m62PtF3ZtkC3VnwXWY1qPplq2RWm8DYt6cNj0%3D&reserved=0 https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/ https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/

11 | P a g e

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

AMS anticipates approximately $61.8 million will be available in FY 2023 for LFPP projects. Part of these funds come from the American Rescue Plan.1 Any funds not awarded under this RFA may be applied to the RFA for the next competitive award cycle. Funding may be contingent on Federal appropriations actions. USDA does not guarantee minimum funding levels or a specific number of awards.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required timeframe. It is acceptable to complete a project before the scheduled performance period end date. However, AMS encourages applicants to take the full grant period to allow ample time to complete projects. The applicant must indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”.

Required project start dates and completion dates are provided on the table below.

Award size varies by project type. Applicants may not request less than the minimum or more than the maximum amounts. Applicants are not required to request the maximum award amount. Applicants must justify the requested funding amounts within the appropriate project narrative sections.

Project Type Duration (Months) Start Date Completion Date Minimum

Award Maximum

Award Planning 24 September 30, 2023 September 29, 2025 $25,000 $250,000

Implementation 36 September 30, 2023 September 29, 2026 $100,000 $750,000 Farm to

Institution 36 September 30, 2023 September 29, 2026 $100,000 $750,000

Turnkey Marketing and

Promotion

24 September 30, 2023

September 29, 2025

$50,000 $100,000

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Tribal Governments.

Eligible applicants include:

1 The total amount available consists of $15.4 million from the Farm Bill and annual appropriations, and $46.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Additional funds may be added depending on applications received in this program and Regional Food Systems Partnerships.

12 | P a g e

Entity Type Description

Agricultural Businesses or Cooperatives

Businesses or member-owned entities that provide, hold, deliver, transport, offer, or sell agricultural products or services for member benefit as well as the organization or other business that they represent.

Producer Networks or Association

Producer group- or member-owned organizations or businesses that provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or services through a common distribution system for the mutual member benefit as well as organizations or other businesses that assist, represent, or serve producers or producer networks.

CSA Networks or Associations Formal groups of farms that work collectively to offer consumers regular shares (usually weekly) of locally-grown farm products during one or more harvest season(s) often on a subscription or membership basis. This includes organizations or other businesses that assist, serve, or represent community-supported agriculture (CSA) or CSA networks.

Customers have access to a selected share or range of farm products offered by the group of farmers based on partial or total advance payment of a subscription or membership fee.

Food Council Food policy council or food and farm system network that represents multiple organizations that addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within city, county, State, Tribal region, multicounty region, or other regions.

Local Governments Any unit of government within a state, including a county; borough;

municipality; city; town; township; parish; local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (50 Stat. 888 (Pub. L. No. 75—412); special district; school district; intrastate district; council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-state, regional, or intra-state or local government.

Nonprofit Corporations Any organization or institution, including nonprofits with State or IRS 501 (c) status and accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the organization or institution’s net earnings of which inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

13 | P a g e

Entity Type Description

Public Benefit Corporations Corporations organized to construct or operate a public improvement, the profits from which inure to the benefit of one or more State or to the people therein.

Economic Development Corporations

Organizations whose missions are to improve, maintain, develop, and/or market or promote a specific geographic area.

Regional Farmers Market Authorities

Entities that establish and enforce regional, State, or county policies and jurisdiction over State, regional, or county farmers markets. State agencies are eligible if their State’s regulatory statutes identify the specific State agency as a regional farmers market authority.

Tribal Governments Governing bodies or governmental agencies of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (including any native village as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. § 1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Engagement with partners and collaborators often strengthens LFPP projects. The applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators (section 5.2.7), or may engage with them without funding. For instance, a project may have partners or collaborators who have their own funding or who are contributing to the project financially, such as by providing a cash or in-kind match. Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators do not need to meet these eligibility requirements provided in section 3.1.

• A partner is in a relationship involving close cooperation with the applicant and shares responsibilities in the management of the project.

• A collaborator is a person or an organization unaffiliated with the applicant that cooperates with the applicant in the conduct of the project and is not immediately connected to the management of the project.

Partners and collaborators may come from private or public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities.

Regardless of whether there is a financial subcontract or subaward relationship, applicants must show evidence of existing community or industry support and engagement. Applications should demonstrate a commitment to engage potential project beneficiaries as active participants.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:43%20section:1602%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title43-section1602)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

14 | P a g e

3.3 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF AWARDS

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals to LFPP however applicants are limited to receiving one LFPP award. For LFPP, this means that an applicant may be awarded one Planning OR one Implementation OR one Farm to Institution OR one Turnkey grant. If the applicant is recommended for multiple awards, AMS staff will contact the applicant to discuss the options. Applicants must close out all active LFPP awards to be eligible to receive a new LFPP award. For example, a Planning award recipient must close out that award prior to applying for an Implementation award. The applicant must submit all required close-out documentation by the application due date mentioned in section 5.5 Submission Date and Time. Please refer to the respective General Award Terms and Conditions, available on the “How to Administer the Awards” webpage, for close-out instructions.

3.3.1 FISCAL SPONSORS/AGENTS

Eligible applicants may use fiscal sponsors/agents in their effort to attain and administer a grant award.

Such applicants seeking to implement a project may:

a. Apply directly to AMS through Grants.gov and request to use funds to establish a contractual relationship with a fiscal sponsor/agent to perform administrative or financial functions on behalf of the applicant; or

b. Use a fiscal sponsor/agent to apply for an award on behalf of the implementing organization. By doing so, the sponsor/agent accepts all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s grant award at the time the agreement is signed. Fiscal sponsors/agents would submit the application as the applicant organization, and the AOR responsible for all grant decisions and activities, including but not limited to implementation, subcontracts, and reporting to AMS. The AOR would be an employee of the fiscal sponsor/agent. Fiscal sponsors/agents are bound by the same requirements provided in this RFA as other applicant organizations, including the limit on applications.

An applicant organization cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to another organization (including a fiscal sponsor/agent).

3.3.2 REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS (RFSP) RECIPIENT APPLICANTS

In accordance with the LAMP legislation, current RFSP grant recipients may apply for an FMPP or LFPP grant on behalf of requesting producers and/or eligible entities (as listed in the RFSP RFA). Active RFSP recipients are eligible to receive more than one FMPP or LFPP project within an award cycle to allow them to apply on behalf of those entities.

Active RFSP recipients applying to FMPP or LFPP on behalf of their eligible partnerships should indicate on the FMLFPP Project Narrative or “FMLFPP Turnkey Project Narrative” that they are a current RFSP recipient. They must meet all program requirements and undergo competitive peer review as do all other FMPP or LFPP applicants. Refer to section 5.2 for more information.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/administer https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2 https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx

15 | P a g e

If selected for funding, active RFSP recipients signing the grant agreement as the AOR on behalf of their producers and eligible entities accept all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s grant award at the time the agreement is signed. In addition, they are responsible for all decisions and project activities related to the grant agreement, and accountable for meeting Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. An applicant organization, including RFSP recipient applicants, cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to another organization (including the producer or eligible entity associated with the active RFSP grant).

Alternatively, RFSP recipients wanting to solely provide technical assistance or administrative support to producers and/or eligible entities applying to FMLFPP, but not serve as the AOR, may provide that directly with no formalized agreement, and the eligible entities or producers may apply directly (noting that the project must benefit more than one producer). They could also choose to pursue the contractual relationship mentioned in section 4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching.

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

This funding opportunity requires matching funds from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total Federal portion of the grant. There is no competitive advantage for an applicant to provide a cost share or match that exceeds the required amount. If the project is selected for funding, any exceeding amount will be considered voluntary and must be documented and secured at the time an applicant is recommended for the award.

Cost sharing or the required match must be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. Refer to 2 CFR § 200.306 for additional Federal requirements and definitions, including the basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions.

Cash match contributions are generally defined as an actual cash contribution (not the ‘value’ of someone’s time/effort) from the applicant’s general revenue/reserves/savings/line of credit, or 3rd-party partner(s), or other non-Federal grants. The applicant must be able to track and show the source of the match funding and that the funding source was dedicated entirely to the grant project and produce records to that effect (for example, taking the cash match in your accounting system, or from your partner, and placing it into a special ‘grant project’ account).

In-kind contributions are generally defined, when used as a cost share or match for a grant, as the value of goods or services provided by a third party for the benefit of the grant program, where no funds transferred hands. For example, a partner, such as a tribal community member, may volunteer their professional expertise as a match contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e). These contributions cannot satisfy a cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant program if they are used toward satisfying a match requirement under any other Federal grant agreement to which the applicant is a party.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

16 | P a g e

All matching contributions must be committed or secured at the time an applicant is recommend for an award. An award will not be issued unless all matching funds over the life of the grant are secured.

Additional anticipated matching funds not in place by the time the project commences cannot be counted toward the matching requirement.

Applicants must indicate the total amount of match and how it will specifically align with their requested funding when completing the fiscal plan and resources section of the FMLFPP Project Narrative or “FMLFPP Turnkey Project Narrative”. Additionally, applicants must submit signed letters or other documentation verifying the match for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource. Refer to section 5.2.6 Matching Funds and Letters of Verification for more information.

Indirect costs may count toward non-Federal match. Refer to section 4.2.1 “Using Indirect Costs for Cost Sharing or Matching” for more information.

Applicants cannot use program income (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1) or any other Federal funds as a match or cost share.

4.2 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

As stated in 2 CFR § 200.413 and 414, any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) that may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a recipient chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply to do at any time.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must use the MTDC as the base.

MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPTurnkeyNarrativeForm.docx https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ee82f7b5882adf7c5bc8bfebbb19f99a&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_11&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1

17 | P a g e

4.2.1 USING INDIRECT COSTS FOR COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The maximum indirect costs allowed for a project may be included under the Federal portion of the budget or, alternatively, may be offered as an in-kind matching contribution if no indirect costs are requested on the Federal portion of the budget. For example, if a proposed project’s maximum allowable indirect costs are $8,000, the applicant may include $8,000 on the Federal portion of the budget or $8,000 as a matching in-kind contribution, but not both.

The applicant may split the indirect cost allocation between the Federal and non-Federal portions of the budget only if the total amount of indirect costs does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowed.

Alternatively, the recipient may request any other combination that, when combined, does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowable. Refer to 2 CFR §200.413 and §200.414 for additional information on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

4.3 SUBAWARDS

The applicant is expected to perform the majority of the work portion of the project; however, subawards or subcontracts with partners, collaborators, or other parties that provide additional knowledge, expertise, or resources for the purposes of the proposed project that are not otherwise available within the applicant organization are allowable. Applicants may subaward to smaller organizations to support underserved communities or producers. In all subaward or subcontract scenarios, the primary applicant will maintain the oversight and reporting responsibility as the AOR. See section 3.3.1 Fiscal Sponsors. Using grant funds to competitively “re-grant” funds in mini-grant programs or to activities that are not central to the purpose of the project or for unknown costs is unallowable.

4.4 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this document should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 8.0 Agency Contacts.

4.5 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend AMS sponsored grant management meetings during the project’s period of performance. The proposed budget should include travel funds for the Project Coordinator and may include additional key personnel as reasonably determined by the recipient and AMS.

Estimate the cost of travel including flight, hotel, per diem, ground transportation to a major city. For previous year, an example of this estimate can be around $1,500. Location and dates are to be determined with possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is performed virtually, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable item.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

18 | P a g e

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. AMS strongly encourages applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.3.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.175,” or the LFPP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-23-0011”.

5.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

5.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required. Form SF-424 is available via the opportunity at Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or explained in the instructions. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on form SF-424.

Block Instructions

1 - Type of Submission Select Application 2 - Type of Application Select New 4 through 7 Not required 8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier

(UEI)

Enter applicant UEI for the organization submitting the application.

8.d - Address Enter the organization street address as it appears in SAM.gov. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-digit zip code

10 - Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA 11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (Assistance Listing Number)

10.175

12 - Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-23-0011

Ensure you are applying for the correct grant program.

13 - Competition Identification Number Not applicable 14 - Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, states affected by project 15 - Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Provide a short description of the project.

16a - Congressional Districts for Applicant Enter the Congressional district where your main office is located.

16b - Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented. Write “All” if the projects will be implemented in more than one location.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

19 | P a g e

Block Instructions

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Planning Projects - Your performance period cannot be more than 24 months in length. Planning projects normally begin September 30, 2023 and end no later than September 29, 2025.

Implementation and Farm to Institution Projects – Your performance period cannot be more than 36 months (3 years) in length. Implementation projects normally begin September 30, 2023 and end no later than September 29, 2026.

Turnkey Projects - Your performance period cannot be more than 2 years in length. Turnkey projects normally begin September 30, 2023 and end no later than September 29, 2025.

18 - Estimated Funding – Federal Total Federal award requested.

18b - Estimated Funding – Applicant Not applicable.

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process.

See section 5.6 Intergovernmental Review.

5.2.2 SF-424A – BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required. The SF-424A is available via the opportunity at Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or adequately explained in the form instructions. The following are supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF-424A.

Please fill in only sections A, B and C. Do not complete sections D, E, and F.

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “LFPP – Federal”

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter “10.175”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project

1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total match contribution amount provided for the project

20 | P a g e

Section B – Budget Categories

Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds requested for each Object Class Category. Do not include match funding

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in Federal funds for “Travel”, enter 2000 in Column 1, box 6.c

Section C – Non-Federal Resources

Box Instructions

8.a – Grant Program Should auto-populate from Section A, Box 1.a

8.b – 8.d Enter the match amount being provided from each source (Applicant, State, or Other) for the project

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching Federal award. This is required for all project types and is separate from the FMLFPP Project Narrative or “FMLFPP Turnkey Project Narrative”. The Project Abstract Summary box must include:

• Project purpose

• Activities to be performed

• Deliverables and expected outcomes

• Intended beneficiary(ies): Who will benefit from this beyond the applicant organization?

• Subrecipient, key partner, and collaborator activities. Identify the key partners, collaborators and subrecipients you know will be part of the work and how their engagement will support the program goals.

5.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE FOR PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, AND FARM TO

INSTITUTION PROJECTS

Required. All applicants for project types OTHER THAN the Turnkey Projects are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the FMLFPP Project Narrative form. The form and instructions are available on the “How do I Apply for an LFPP Grant” webpage. The Project Narrative must clearly describe the objectives and goals, types of activities, applicable outcome indicators, and fiscal plan and resources information. The FMLFPP Project Narrative Guide can assist applicants in filling out the form.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary-V1.1.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPTurnkeyNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/how-do-i-apply-lfpp-grant https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPP_Project_Narrative_Guide.pdf

21 | P a g e

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced, in an 11-point font, and must not exceed fifteen

(15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing Project Narrative form content). For example, if the Project Narrative form is 18 pages before you begin entering your project information into the form, your narrative may be up to 33 pages (18 pages + 15 pages). DO NOT modify the FMLFPP Project Narrative form. Evaluation points will be deducted if the Project Narrative form is modified.

Applicants must submit the FMLFPP Project Narrative form as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” on the application package.

Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted.

Prior to submitting the application to Grants.gov, please make sure no tracked changes or mark-up edits and comments are visible.

The supporting documents listed in Sections 5.2.6 through 5.2.9 do not count toward the 15‐page limit.

5.2.5 TURNKEY PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required for all Turnkey Marketing and Promotion projects. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the “FMLFPP Turnkey Project Narrative” form. The form and instructions are available on the “How do I Apply for an FMPP Grant” website. The Turnkey Project Narrative includes all of the work plan activities that may be included in a grant project. The Turnkey Project Narrative must clearly describe the activities, applicable outcome indicators, and fiscal plan and resources information.

The FMLFPP Project Narrative Guide can assist applicants in filling out the form.

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced, in an 11-point font, and must not exceed five (5)

8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing Turnkey Project Narrative form content). For example, if the Turnkey Project Narrative form is 15 pages before you begin entering your project information into the form, your narrative may be up to 20 pages (15 pages + 5 pages). DO NOT modify the FMLFPP Project Narrative form. Evaluation points will be deducted if the Project Narrative form is modified.

Applicants…